The art of resilience: a psychobiography of Frida Kahlo

Abstract

This psychobiography of Frida Kahlo explores the psychology of the famous Mexican artist. Drawing upon Kahlo’s paintings and diary entries, a rich psychological analysis of the feminist icon is juxtaposed with the zeitgeist of 20th century Mexico. Framed through the theoretical model of feminist psychology, Kahlo’s role in promoting gender equality and dismantling patriarchal society is discussed. Physical pain resulting from illness and impalement by a metal pole in a trolley accident was matched, if not exceeded, by the psychological pain the artist felt due to resulting issues with fertility and the long-sought but never-realized role of motherhood, infidelity within her marriage, and the eventual loss of her ability to paint. Nevertheless, Kahlo’s perseverance and strength led to worldwide recognition of her bold and vibrant paintings, vulnerably depicting her rich inner world. The present study utilises perspectives from art therapy and attachment theory to elucidate the factors contributing to Frida Kahlo’s resilience in the face of lifelong trauma and chronic pain. Ultimately, Kahlo’s life and work offer valuable insight into the psychological experiences of women in patriarchal societies, emphasising the importance of feminist perspectives in psychological research and highlighting the healing and resilience-promoting role of art.

Keywords:

• Psychobiography
• art therapy
• feminist psychology

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Joseph Ponterotto, Ph.D. for his invaluable guidance and mentorship throughout the course of this research project. Dr. Ponterotto’s profound expertise in psychobiographies and his unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping my understanding and approach to this subject. His passion for exploring the intricacies of life stories through psychological lenses has truly inspired my own pursuit of psychobiographical research. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to my colleague and friend, Alison Kelly, MS.Ed., M.A., for her diligent assistance with the revisions and improvements made to this research article. Her thoughtful feedback and constructive suggestions have played a significant role in refining the quality and clarity of my work. Lastly, and most importantly, I owe a debt of gratitude to my own father, Todd Romagna. Similar to Guillermo’s role in Frida Kahlo’s life, my father’s unwavering support has been the driving force behind my academic journey. His constant presence and encouragement have been the bedrock of my achievements, and I am deeply grateful for the sacrifices he has made to enable my success. I share in Kahlo’s good fortune to have had a father to idolise. I, too, am in agreement with everything he has taught me throughout my life. One such lesson is to ‘keep your passion and keep working hard towards your goals’. This article is dedicated to him.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).